First Edition: Friday, March 13, 2026
March 13, 2026
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Families Scramble To Pay Five-Figure Bills as Clock Ticks on Promised Preauthorization Reforms
By Lauren Sausser
March 13, 2026
KFF Health News Original
Last summer, the Trump administration announced a voluntary pledge by health insurers to reform prior authorization, which often requires patients or their doctors to seek preapproval from insurers before proceeding with medical care. Patient advocates and medical providers remain skeptical.
Doctors Warn of a Deadly Complication From Measles Outbreaks
By Rae Ellen Bichell
March 13, 2026
KFF Health News Original
U.S. doctors are getting the word out about how to spot a rare measles complication that had been a relic of the past: subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. It affects a person years after a measles infection, often starting with mobility issues and progressing to paralysis. It’s nearly always fatal.
Medicare Advantage ‘Dark Money’ Group Attempts To Win Higher Payments for Insurance Companies
By Fred Schulte Maia Rosenfeld David Hilzenrath
March 13, 2026
KFF Health News Original
Medicare Advantage insurers say a proposal by the Trump administration to keep their payments nearly flat next year may lead to service cuts that harm seniors struggling to afford health care. A decision is due by early next month.
What the Health? From KFF Health News: RFK Jr.’s Very Bad Week
March 12, 2026
Podcast
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had another tough week. In addition to Kennedy having rotator cuff surgery, the nomination of his ally to become surgeon general is teetering, the controversial head of the FDA’s vaccine center is resigning next month, and a new survey shows Americans trust government health officials less than they do former Biden official Anthony Fauci. Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico Magazine, and Shefali Luthra of The 19th join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more.
Eye Doctor Tapped As EPA Adviser, Despite No Air Pollution Expertise
March 12, 2026
Morning Briefing
For 50 years, the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee that counsels the EPA’s leadership on scientific evidence about pollutants has filled the obligatory physician’s seat with pulmonologists or cardiologists. Now the role will be filled by an ophthalmologist and political commentator.
Vaccine Panel To Weigh Which Strains Should Comprise This Fall’s Flu Shots
March 12, 2026
Morning Briefing
The gathering of the pared-down Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee — whose members all have expertise in infectious diseases, immunology, or global health and genetics — is seen as a good sign, public health advocates say.
Michigan MedTech Maker Falls Victim To Suspected Iran-Linked Hackers
March 12, 2026
Morning Briefing
Wednesday morning’s cyberattack targeted Stryker’s Microsoft programs across the globe. The company said it thinks the attack has been contained. Plus, news outlets look at how artificial intelligence is being used in the health sector.
For First Time In A Decade, LA County Sees Drop In Homeless Mortality Rate
March 12, 2026
Morning Briefing
The county saw a 10% decrease in the rate of homeless deaths from all causes in 2024, driven by a sharp decrease in overdose deaths. Public health officials credit the wide availability of naloxone but worry that a decrease in funding over the past year may reverse the positive trends.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
March 12, 2026
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
1 In 3 Americans Has Cut Back Daily Spending To Pay For Health Care
March 12, 2026
Morning Briefing
Two new Gallup polls also found that roughly half of middle-income households reported delaying a major life event in order to afford health care costs. Meanwhile, food stamp recipients are suing the Agriculture Department over sugary drink bans.
Trump Admin Aims To Move Hundreds Of Veterans Into Guardianship
March 12, 2026
Morning Briefing
Under the new effort, the Justice Department would give Veterans Affairs officials authority to initiate guardianship proceedings in state courts for veterans who lack family and are “unable to make their own health care decisions,” including some veterans who are homeless or “at risk of homelessness.”
Morning Briefing for Thursday, March 12, 2026
March 12, 2026
Morning Briefing
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First Edition: March 12, 2026
March 12, 2026
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
As Lung Disease Threatens Workers, Lawmakers Seek Protections for Countertop Manufacturers
By Céline Gounder
March 12, 2026
KFF Health News Original
Crystalline silica, which is released into the air when workers cut and polish engineered stone, can scar human lungs beyond repair. Kitchen countertops made with this stone have triggered an increased rate of this fatal illness, doctors say.
Republicans Fret Over RFK Jr.’s Anti-Vaccine Policies While MAHA Moms Stew
By Amanda Seitz Stephanie Armour
March 12, 2026
KFF Health News Original
A top GOP pollster has said anti-vaccine policies could create risks for the Trump administration in the midterm elections. But backing away from those policies — and other initiatives that have been high on the Make America Healthy Again to-do list — threatens to upset a key voting bloc.
Seeking Fresh Start From Its Troubles, Cassava Changes Its Name To Filana
March 11, 2026
Morning Briefing
As FiercePharma explains, the company is attempting to rebrand itself in the wake of a Justice Department investigation, a class-action lawsuit, and a failed attempt at treating Alzheimer’s. Plus: The FDA says Novo failed to report suspected incidents of GLP-1 side effects, as required by law.
Study: New Blood Test May Forecast Women’s Dementia Risk 25 Years Early
March 11, 2026
Morning Briefing
Researchers looked at levels of p-tau217 among women with no signs of cognitive issues and found that those with higher levels were “much more likely” to develop dementia. Also: Psilocybin might be better at helping smokers quit than nicotine patches, researchers say.
